The San Antonio Spurs winning streak has come to a screeching halt. Their 20 consecutive victories have been followed by a series changing three-game losing streak. Can they do anything to save their season in Game 6?
With the Oklahoma City Thunder looking to clinch the Western Conference Finals, we all know that the pressure is on them. They are a young group that has not been in this situation before.
By this point last season the Thunder were watching the Dallas Mavericks upsetting the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. They had lost the Western Conference Finals in five games.
They really want this victory and chances are that they will press in the beginning of the game.
The Spurs have to exploit this.
If the Thunder get sloppy, the Spurs will have to capitalize immediately. They cannot risk falling behind early. The Oklahoma City crowd will make it impossible to communicate and disrupt their flow.
San Antonio has to take advantage of their experience and their depth.
Players like Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan have played in plenty of clinching games before, so fellow teammates should look for these veterans to set a tempo.
Maybe Gregg Popovich could try starting the game with Kawhi Leonard on the bench and see if Stephen Jackson can create offense early for the Spurs. His veteran defensive skills can also help slow down the Thunder attack.
They have to stop Russell Westbrook from getting into the paint since he can create offense for himself and other players.
Kevin Durant simply cannot be contained. He is shooting 50% from the floor and 88% from the free throw line in these playoffs.
If the Spurs can keep the ball from getting to Durant, then their chances of winning will increase.
San Antonio proved in Game 5 that they can compete against the Thunder's offense. Ginobili took over at certain points in the game, but the key will be for Parker to run the offense.
Just like Westbrook, he can penetrate and create trouble for opponents in the paint. Getting the Thunder bigs in foul trouble will be great.
And can a San Antonio player put a body on Nick Collison? He keeps getting easy baskets and has gone 10-11 from the floor in the three Thunder victories.
The Spurs will need to find their winning ways quickly if they are to survive Game 6. The Thunder will come out running in this one, as they certainly do not want to go back to San Antonio for a Game 7.
